Wall mounted, three dimensional, visual display element

ABSTRACT

A three dimensional visual element includes a decal or other device to simulate a crack or break within the wall on which the visual elements is mounted. The visual element also includes a functional feature, such as a light, shelf support electronic device, or the like, so that the visual element also provides some utility. In one example, a three dimensional representation of a soccer ball is provided wherein the soccer ball is surrounded by a clear plastic decal having a cracking so as to represent cracks within the wall on which the device is mounted. Within the shell of the soccer ball in this exemplary embodiment, are lighting elements which allow the device to be used as a nightlight.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/878,147, entitled “WALL MOUNTED, THREE DIMENSIONAL, VISUAL DISPLAYELEMENT,” which was the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/CA11/01139, filed Oct. 7, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/391,429, filed Oct. 8, 2010, the entiretyof each of these applications being incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to visual display items, and moreparticularly, to three dimensional, visual display elements which areadapted to be mounted to the surface of a wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various products are known for mounting onto the surface of a wall whichprovide distinctive visual elements. These include, for example,posters, prints, pictures and the like, but can also include productssuch as life-sized pictures of sports figures celebrities, fictionalcharacters. However, unlike shelving units or the like, these visualelements are two dimensional, and typically lie flat on the wall.

Other two dimensional elements are known which provide a representationof three dimensional figures which appear to be coming out of the wall.As an example, Shutterstock Images (www.Shutterstock.com—Image No.29804344) provides a print of a baseball surrounded by a “cracking”pattern which appears to be a baseball which has impacted, and cracked,the surface of a wall.

While this provides a distinctive visual appearance, it is merely a twodimensional image.

Light fixtures are known that project from a wall, but these do notinclude other visual elements.

Other products are known which simulate a three dimensionalrepresentation of a product coming through a glass window. Examples ofthese are half golf balls, or baseballs, adapted to be affixed to aglass surface, and which includes a cracked or crazed decal whichprovides a cracked appearance to the glass.

However, these products do not provide any real functional utility, andprovide only a limited 2 or 3 dimensional visual element.

To overcome these difficulties, it would be advantageous to provide athree dimensional visual element suitable to be affixed to a wallsurface, which provides an improved visual effect, while preferably alsoproviding a functional utility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One exemplary implementation of a three dimensional, visual displayelement of the present invention, is a portion of a sport ball, andpreferably a half soccer ball which is adapted to be mounted onto thesurface of a wall. The soccer ball representation is optionally, butpreferably surrounded by a clear decal or other device such as a plateor disc, which is preferably affixed to the wall, and represents orsimulates cracking or breaking of the wall in order to represent thatthe ball has impacted the wall, or is coming through or out of the wall.

In a further preferred feature of the present embodiment, the soccerball (or other device) includes a light fixture, which can be turned onso as to provide lighting, or to act as a night light, or other lightingdevice. The light can be directly powered using a household poweroutlet, by use of battery power, or by use of a power adapter with anoptional battery.

Where the device includes an electrical component, it is preferred thatit also feature a controller that will automatically control theelectrical component. As an example, for a night light function, thesecontrol features could include a light sensor to turn a night light onand off, timers to limit the time the night light is on, and the like.

A second exemplary implementation of a three dimensional, visual displayelement of the present invention, is a representation of a device orobject (such as a car, or the like), an action figure, “superhero” orother fictional figure having a part, such as a body part, which atleast partially extends away from the wall, and which can incorporate ashelving unit, at the end of an arm, for example. Other features mightinclude a support for an electronic device such as a computer, computermonitor, radio, MP3 player, DVD or CD player, telephone, television,smoke detector, or the like.

In any case, the present invention provides a three dimensional, visualdisplay element which can be mounted onto the surface of a wall, andwhich preferably includes a decal or other device that simulatescracking or breaking of the wall surface so as to create the appearanceof a product crashing though, or impacting onto the wall.

Additionally, the present invention also provides a three dimensional,visual display element which preferably incorporates at least onefunctional feature, including, for example, a light, a shelf, hanger orhook, or which incorporates a product, or a support for a product, suchas an electronic device, including, for example, a clock, phone, smartphone, PDA's, radio, speakers, music player including an MP3, tape or CDplayer, a computer device, such as a computerized gaming system, or anaccessory therefor, a DVD player, a television, smoke detector, computermonitor, or the like. In this manner, the three dimensional, visualelement not only provides a distinctive visual display, but alsoincorporates a (multi-)functional utility.

Accordingly, in a most preferred embodiment, the present inventionprovides a three dimensional, visual display element which comprises:(i) a visual element that is adapted to be mounted onto the surface of awall; (ii) a decal or other device that simulates cracking or breakingof the wall surface; and (iii) additionally a functional device orfeature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The visual element can be any suitable element that the user desires todisplay on the wall. Examples of the visual element can include sportsequipment (e.g. baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls, hockey pucks,footballs, frisbees, or the like), nature themed products (e.g. rockoutcroppings, tree limbs, or the like), sport figures, celebrities,fictional characters, and the like. The visual element preferablyprovides a representation of an actual device, but also can be anabstract visual element. The portion of the visual element thatprotrudes away from the wall is typically stationary, but might bemoveable. For example, a fictional character's arm which protrudes fromthe wall, might be movable from one position to another.

The decal or other device for simulating cracking or breaking of thewall, can be a solid disc or plate, but more preferably is provided by aclear, flexible plastic film having a mild adhesive for temporaryattachment to the wall, without causing damage to the wall itself, orany existing wall covering. The cracking or breaking design can beprinted on to the disc, plate or flexible plastic film, and typically,the disc, plate or plastic film will be provided around the outside ofthe visual element.

For a round visual element (such as a soccer ball), the disc, plate orplastic film may have a generally circular shape, but for other visualelements, the shape and size of the disc, plate, or plastic film shapecan change to match the shape and size of the visual elements.

Preferably, the visual element is “life sized” so as to be essentiallythe same size as the actual device. For example, a soccer ball lightwould preferably have a soccer ball shell which is the regulation sizeof a soccer ball.

The visual element can be manufactured from any suitable materialdepending on its intended use. These materials include wood, cardboard,paper, ceramics, metal or the like. Most preferably though, the visualelements are made from plastic materials which can be formed into theappropriate shape using any suitable technique. These techniques mightinclude blow moulding, injection moulding, vacuum forming, or the like.

Combinations of various material might also be used, and the visualelements can be painted, or otherwise coloured in order to providerealistic visual representations. When used as a light or nightlight,plastics are particularly preferred, particularly when all or part ofthe plastic material of the element is translucent.

The visual element can be attached to the wall using any suitabledevices, including glue or other adhesives, screws, bolts, nails, wire,or any other suitable devices or materials. The attachment devices canbe essentially permanent devices, or can be temporary such as in thecase of the attachment of a seasonal product (for example).

The functional feature is typically the incorporation of a light, to actas a light or nightlight, or a shelf or other holding device, such as ahook, hanger, basket, pocket, box or the like, or can incorporatevarious devices directly into the visual element itself, such as thoseelectronic devices previously mentioned. In the case of a lightedproduct, the light can be any suitable light, including lights such asincandescent lights, fluorescent lights, compact fluorescent lights, LEDlights or the like, which can be powered using household wiring, orthrough the use of replaceable or rechargeable batteries. The lightedproduct might also include multiple lighting elements, or may includemulti-coloured light elements or features.

Where necessary, the function feature can include direct control offeatures such as volume, channel, displays, or power on/off functions,but remote control of any or all of these functional features usingsuitable wireless technologies might also be incorporated. Additionally,the functional feature or device can include other devices such as lightor motion sensors, to control its functions.

The visual element is typically a standard image. However, the imagemight also be personalized for the particular user. This might includedesign elements from the user (e.g. the user's photographs), orinformation such as license plate numbers, for the like, or can includestickers or decals for the user to customize the visual elements. Thestickers or decals might also be changeable to suit the user's wishes.

Further, while the present invention is preferable adapted to beattached to a wall, it might also be modified so as to be attached to afloor, or even more preferably, a ceiling of a room. Additionally, thedevice might also be attached to devices such as furniture such asdoors, windows, desks, cabinets, dressers, tabletops, or the like.

Additionally, other secondary visual elements can be included to add tothe impact of the first visual elements. For example foam bricks orboards might be included in the area around the first visual element, inorder to enhance the impression of the device coming out of the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of exampleonly in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a soccer ball light showing arepresentation of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the soccer ball light of FIG. 1,showing additional details; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fictional character representation,which includes a shelf and an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of thepresent invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method ofoperation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe better understood from the following drawings in which a presentlypreferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way ofexample only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict likeelements.

It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for thepurpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as adefinition of the limits of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 a soccer ball light 10 according to the presentinvention is shown. The soccer ball shell 12 is manufactured from asemi-circular, translucent plastic material. The soccer ball shell 12 isof regulation size for a soccer ball, and is coloured black and white soas to appear authentic. However, any suitable colour scheme or designmight be used.

Soccer ball shell 12 is mounted onto wall 14, and around the perimeterof shell 12 is a decal 16 printed onto a clear, flexible, plastic film18 which represents a series of cracks within the wall. In practice,decal 16 would preferably be applied to the wall first, and then shell12 would be mounted approximately in the centre of film 18.

In FIG. 2, it can be seen that shell 12 protrudes from wall 14, and isheld onto wall 14 by attachment of ring 30. Housed within shell 12 is abattery 20 which is connected to a series of LED light elements 22. Awireless sensor switch 24 is provided which is operated by a remotecontrol (not shown), or a motion sensor (not shown) so as to turn LEDlight elements 22 on or off, as desired. Sensor switch 24 also includesa timer element which automatically turns LED lights elements 22 offafter a set period of time (e.g. 60 minutes).

A standard light switch might also be used in place of the wirelesssensor switch.

In FIG. 3, a representation of a fictional character 40 is shown whichincludes portions of character 40 protruding from the wall 14,surrounded by decal 16A, on a film 18A, which decal shows cracks andbreaks within wall 14. The head and upper torso 44 and one hand 46 ofcharacter 40 extend from wall 14. Located with the palm of hand 46 is ashelf 48 adapted to hold an MP3 player, and wiring is provided withinarm 46 to connect it to a multi-functional clock, radio, MP3 player 50located on head 44.

A finger 52 extends from hand 46, and can be used as a hook for hangingclothing or the like.

Around the outside of decal film 18A, other secondary visual elements inthe nature of plastic brick representations might also be add to suggestthat bricks have, or are, in the process of falling out of the wall.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance withthe present invention, a three dimensional visual display element, whichfully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forthhereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that alternatives,modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilledin the art, and that it is intended that the present specificationembrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fallwithin the scope of the appended claims.

Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word“comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and“comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the presentspecification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components,integers or steps.

Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features describedherein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in anycombination.

Moreover, the words “substantially” or “essentially”, when used, with anadjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particularcharacteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar,nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planarelement.

Further, use of the terms “he”, “him”, or “his”, is not intended to bespecifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and couldeasily be read as “she”, “her”, or “hers”, respectively.

Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to theinventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citableagainst the present application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A three dimensional lighting device, suchlighting device comprising: a film affixable to a surface of a wall, thefilm having one or more images to simulate a background; a translucentshell forming a three dimensional image and configured to be mounted tothe surface of the wall such that the translucent shell protrudesoutward from the surface of the wall, and configured to be positioned soas to be surrounded by the film to represent that the translucent shellis emerging from the background; and a functional device or feature,including a light positioned within the translucent shell and configuredto emit light visible from outside of the translucent shell.
 2. Thelighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said three dimensionalimage has the appearance of an action figure.
 3. The lighting device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said three dimensional image has theappearance of superhero.
 4. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1wherein said three dimensional image has the appearance of at least aportion of a piece of sports equipment.
 5. The lighting device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said three dimensional image has theappearance of at least a portion of a soccer ball, a basketball, afootball, a baseball or a hockey puck.
 6. The lighting device as claimedin claim 1 wherein said one or more images comprises a decal printed onthe film.
 7. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidlight is a night light.
 8. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1wherein at least part of the translucent shell is moveable from oneposition to another.
 9. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1wherein said three dimensional image simulates a device, and saidtranslucent shell is sized so as to be essentially the same size as thesimulated device.
 10. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 furthercomprising, in combination with said translucent shell, additionalvisual elements.
 11. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid background has the appearance of bricks or boards.
 12. The lightingdevice as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a battery for poweringsaid light.
 13. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidfilm is a clear, flexible plastic film having an adhesive for temporaryattachment to a wall.
 14. The lighting device as claimed in claim 13wherein said plastic film is shaped and sized so as to match the shapeand size of the translucent shell.
 15. The lighting device as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said translucent shell includes a mounting device formounting said translucent shell to the surface of the wall with screws,bolts, or nails.
 16. The lighting device as claimed in claim 15 whereinsaid translucent shell is configured to be mounted to the surface of thewall such that said film is positioned between said translucent shelland said surface of the wall.